Dark Reader vs Reader Mode: Which Is Safer?
At a glance: verified facts
| Fact | Dark Reader | Reader Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Published by | Dark Reader Ltd | readermode.io |
| Publisher public | Yes | Yes |
| Policy changes we track | None detected | None detected |
| Last data check | 2026-06-18 | 2026-06-20 |
From public records (the extension's store listing, publisher registry, manifest metadata) and our policy snapshots — a "—" means we have no verified data for that field yet.
What the evidence shows
Both are reading mode & display extensions we track. Comparing the 5 safety dimensions measured for both:
- On publisher & identity, the two are evenly matched (60% vs 60%).
- Dark Reader leads on permissions & access (65% vs 52%).
- On data & privacy, the two are evenly matched (100% vs 100%).
- Dark Reader leads on maintenance & ownership (100% vs 85%).
- Dark Reader leads on community reputation (100% vs 68%).
Safety score breakdown
| Dimension | Dark Reader | Reader Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher & Identity | 4.8/8 | 4.8/8 |
| Permissions & Access | 16.24/25 | 12.91/25 |
| Data & Privacy | 16/16 | 16/16 |
| Maintenance & Ownership | 7.5/7.5 | 6.38/7.5 |
| Community Reputation | 10/10 | 6.75/10 |
| Total | 82.02/100 | 70.44/100 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dark Reader safer than Reader Mode?
Dark Reader currently scores higher — 82/100 vs 70/100 — across the 5 safety dimensions measured for both. That covers documented evidence only, not features or pricing.
Is Dark Reader safe?
Dark Reader currently holds safety grade A (82/100) based on 5 of 5 safety dimensions, and is published by Dark Reader Ltd. The grade reflects only what we have measured; anything not yet assessed is marked as pending on the full report.
Is Reader Mode safe?
Reader Mode currently holds safety grade B (70/100) based on 5 of 5 safety dimensions, and is published by readermode.io. The grade reflects only what we have measured; anything not yet assessed is marked as pending on the full report.
More Reading Mode & Display extension comparisons
How this comparison works
Both extensions are scored with the same five-dimension, 100-point rubric — publisher & identity, permissions & access, data & privacy, maintenance & ownership and community reputation — using documented evidence only; a dimension with no evidence stays unscored instead of guessed. Read the full reports: Dark Reader safety report · Reader Mode safety report, or run any other extension through the safety check.